Martínez Brace Keeps Inter in Pursuit of Frontrunners
Inter striker Lautaro Martínez netted a late double to earn his team a 2-0 victory at Pisa, keeping the away side very much engaged in the Italian league championship battle in spite of a somewhat shaky display.
League Table Overview
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter currently sit third in the table with 27 points, level with runner-up Roma and only one point adrift of table-toppers Milan. In contrast, Pisa occupy the 18th spot with 10 points.
Match Summary
Inter arrived in Tuscany looking to get back on track after enduring a derby defeat by Milan recently, which was followed by a European defeat at Atlético Madrid. However, they were forced to fight all the way by newly-promoted Pisa. The hosts created numerous chances, but a clinical Inter broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Argentine Martínez drilled a first-time shot into the top of the net. The attacker then finished from close range with seven minutes remaining.
Inter’s capacity to score despite difficult circumstances was decisive in earning three points.
Other European Matches
Across in Spain, Real Sociedad mounted a thrilling fightback from 2-0 down to level at home against Villarreal, only to succumb to a goal five minutes into added time. Villarreal’s goals came from Ayoze Pérez just after the 30-minute mark and Alberto Moleiro in the 57th minute, but Carlos Soler quickly reduced the deficit and Ander Barrenetxea equalised three minutes from time. Yet, Moleiro had the final say deep into stoppage time.
In the late Spanish fixture, Real Madrid travel to Girona needing a victory to go back to the top above Barcelona, who secured a 3-1 win over Alavés on Saturday.
- Inter stay in close contention for the Serie A crown.
- Martínez demonstrated his value with a match-winning performance.
- The battle for first goes on with multiple teams competing.
